It's been a month since my first hangout with Mateo, and all I can say is I'm glad I accepted the invitation. We have hung out almost every weekend and I have never been happier. There have been moments where I question myself on how I feel for him. But every time I think of that I push the thought to the back of my head.

Alison has been over the moon too. I guess putting it in simpler words Alejandro and her have gotten more closer. I even started talking to him and he is such a sweetheart to her. There's been times where I'm talking to Alison, and Alejandro comes up to her and wraps his arm around her shoulder causing Ali to giggle and blush.

Adam is still his goofy self telling us jokes as always. Although he is more involved at football practice and at games since he wants to make sure scouts are interested in him.

During lunch, we all sit together and enjoy our time talking about homework assignments or planning when our next hangout will be. I didn't expect my senior year to head in this direction but I'm all for it now.

Mateo is slowly getting me out of my comfort zone. Ever since laser tag, we have gone to try many different things. He has taken me paintballing, although when we went he stayed with me so I wouldn't get hit cause he said it hurts. Go-karting which was super fun since I beat him twice. And the last thing we tried was an escape room. Alison and I never tried it because we thought it would be better as a group thing. But Mateo showed me differently. That one had to be my favorite out of all of them. It was hilarious looking at Mateo's face trying to figure out the riddle.

I never thought I would say this but I actually like going to school now. Even though, the only reason is because I hang out with my new friends.

Waking up on a Friday morning, I look at the time and see that it's 6:50am. It's time to get ready for school. Getting up from the comfort of my bed and walking to my closet, I inspect my clothes for something cute but simple. Scanning the closet my eyes land on a dark green long sleeve and light blue mom jeans. I grab the clothes and change out of the pajamas I wore to bed last night, which were just a pair of shorts and a tank top. I put on the clothes and slip on my white Vans once I'm done.

Walking to my vanity and starting to work on my hair and makeup, I'm ecstatic of what the day will hold. After double checking myself in the mirror and seeing that everything looks fine, I grab my phone and see that it's 7:15am.

Once I'm out of my room and hopping down the steps, I grab my keys and backpack that I left by the door and yell out to Mom.

"Mom I'm leaving, I'll see you later," cheerfully letting her know I'm heading out. I am so excited to see my friends. Especially Mateo, there's something about him that just makes me feel complete.

"Oh honey wait,"

"Yes Mom?" walking into the kitchen I question her.

"Your brother came last night while you were asleep. His car is parked behind yours so you'll have to wake him up so you can leave," I groan once she finishes her sentence.

I don't even bother questioning her. I just turn around and head upstairs to wake up my dear brother that doesn't like me anymore.

I'm in front of his door just standing there. Taking a deep breath I knock and walk in. I'm surprised to see him awake already. He's just laying down on his bed with his phone out. Although he still lives with us, he's never home sometimes. Usually Christopher stays at his friends house or sometimes I don't even know where he is. Chris and I have the same brown eyes and dark brown hair. We look very similar but we don't act the same at all.

"Umm," I clear my throat and he looks up. "Mom said your car is behind mine. Can you move it please?" he just stares at me when I'm done talking. Why isn't he getting up?

"Chris come on I need to get to school," he continues just staring at me. Okay now I'm getting irritated.

"What is your problem? Why are you just laying there looking at me? So what? Is your car going to automatically back out of the driveway," I raise my voice at him. I am absolutely done with whatever is going on between us. I miss having my brother by my side.

He gets the control of his TV and turns it on, totally blocking me out. "Oh so now you're ignoring me? You're so childish," I shout at him while stepping into the room. He looks unbothered by what is going but I'm not going to stop now. "What happened to you? You know what it doesn't even matter anymore. I have met someone who genuinely cares about me and has been there for me more than you have. Mateo will never ignore me, let alone act like some stranger that you have become,"

With that he snaps his head towards me. A look written on his face that makes me back down.

"Get out," through gritted teeth he says while standing up from his bed and stalking towards me.

"GET THE FUCK OUT VERONICA!," his words hit me like a ton of bricks. Just with that I ran out of his room not even caring about my car anymore.

Ignoring my Mother in the kitchen I run out the front door and just stand there. Tears accumulate in my eyes and I am too scared to let them fall. I'm shaking in fear, Chris has never yelled at me like that ever. I feel horrible for starting the argument, but I feel even worse at the fact that my own brother doesn't seem like himself anymore.

I can't call Alison because she rides with Alejandro and I don't want him to see me like this. So I dial the only other person I know won't judge me.

Mateo.

Putting the phone to my ear, I take deep breaths trying not to cry. By the third ring I hear Mateo's deep voice.

"Hello," and with that, the tears start cascading down my cheeks.

"Veronica? What's wrong?,"

"Can you come pick me up please," I say while trying to steady my voice.

"Yeah I'm on my way okay? I'll be there in a couple minutes," he tells me in a sweet tone. Not knowing what to say anymore I just hang up the phone and sit down on the steps that lead up to the door. I don't know how to stop the tears so I just let out everything I've kept inside.

Just as he said, a couple minutes later I hear Mateo's truck pulling up. I stand up and start walking to his truck rubbing my eyes with the palm of my hands. Mateo parks his truck and steps out and meets me in the middle. Not even asking me questions he just pulls me into his chest and I cry even harder. His hand gently rubs my back and it helps me calm down. A comfortable silence is between us and I'm glad I called him.

Once I've calmed down Mateo pulls away slightly, still having his arms wrapped around me. He looks at me with a small smile.

"Come on, I have an idea," I nod my head not wanting to talk.

He walks me up to his truck and opens the door for me. I get in, put the seatbelt on and rest my head against the window. Tiredness has taken over my body so by the time Mateo pulls out of my neighborhood my eyes shut and I fall asleep.

I feel someone lightly shake me awake. I slowly open my eyes only to see Mateo's beautiful dark eyes looking at me. An emotion I don't seem to know floats in them. He's smiling while he looks at me.

"Good morning. We have arrived at our destination," I rub my eyes to get the sleepiness out of them and look around. My eyes widened at the sight in front of me.

I rub my eyes again to make sure I'm not seeing things. This isn't school. Nope, not even close.

We're at an amusement park.

Looking back at Mateo I see him with the biggest smile ever. He's so cute.

"Why are we here?" curiosity in my tone.

"I'm glad you asked," he says while turning off the truck. "I thought you could use a break from school today. I also invited Alison and Alejandro and they are on their way. Adam can't make it because of football practice but he's gonna try to come later on," I can't believe what he just told me.

At a loss for words, I look back out the window and see the huge roller coasters in front of me. Knowing Mateo he is going to get me on those one way or another.

"Well what are we waiting for then," I exclaim while he just smiles at my words. We both hop off the truck and start making our way to the entrance of the park. I look up at him and see how his eyes show his excitement.

Maybe I am falling for Mateo Hernandez.